15 Things Every Kentuckian Wants The Rest Of The Country To Know

Kentucky might be one of the most underrated states in the country. It’s a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and we have our own unique culture here. However, most of the country doesn’t know much about Kentucky. They only know the stereotypes they’ve heard. If you’re a Kentuckian, you know what an awesome place to live this state is, so here are 15 things we want the rest of the country to know about us.

If you've ever been to Louisville, you know that it's a vibrant, booming city that is getting more and more national attention as a great place to live, and as a travel destination. With a population of 615,366, it is the 30th largest city in the country. That may not seem like much compared to New York City or Los Angeles, but to put it in perspective, Louisville is larger than Milwaukee, Tucson, and Sacramento.

There's a landscape for pretty much everyone in Kentucky. Like mountains? Head to the east. Caves more your thing? Go west. More into water activities? Our entire northern border is the Ohio River, not to mention our lakes: Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, and Nolin Lake, to name just a few.

4. KFC isn’t the only thing we eat. We are players in the culinary world, both in high-end, gourmet restaurants...

We're home to many celebrated chefs who are household names in the culinary world, like Kathy Cary, Ed Lee, and Anthony Lamas. All of the above have been nominated for various James Beard Foundation awards.

The food doesn't have to be arranged into a fancy work of art to taste good. Kentucky's Southern cooking, particularly its barbecue, is out of this world. Western Kentucky has its own style of barbecue that is to die for. If you've never eaten mutton or burgoo, go to Owensboro and try some.

If you order a nice bourbon, please don't mix it with Coke. You might as well just throw it in the garbage. Coke is meant for cheap, foreign whiskeys. The best way to enjoy a fine Kentucky bourbon is by sipping it slowly, preferably on the rocks.

In 2015, American Pharoah was the first horse to capture the Triple Crown (winning the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont) since Affirmed in 1978, and only the 12th in history. Later that year, he won the Breeders' Cup, becoming the first horse to ever win the "Grand Slam" of horse racing (winning both the Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup).

10. We have some human heroes that we’re proud to say are Kentuckians.

It's December, but instead of a White Christmas, here's a tornado. Don't worry, tomorrow it'll be sunny and 75 before plunging to single digits. And just when you think spring has arrived, just kidding! Surprise blizzard in April!

13. Derby is treated like a holiday. It’s not uncommon to hear people say “Happy Derby.”

We have minor league baseball team the Louisville Bats, and USL soccer team Louisville City FC. However, University of Louisville and University of Kentucky athletics are like pro teams in the state. Your allegiance lies with either one or the other, and that is a line you do not cross.

15. Every Kentuckian is proud to call the Bluegrass State their Old Kentucky Home.

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I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.